It is located on the right margin and a very few steps from the river Alhama or Marchán. It owes the second part of its present name to its reconstruction after the earthquake of 1884, with the funds contributed by the Union of the Mercantile Circle of Madrid. Its citizens decided to change their previous name of Alhama by the present one of Comercio. As far as the name “Santa Cruz” it probably has its origin in the one of Calatrava, whose military order was adjudged the lands that the Moorish owned in this jurisdiction before being expelled.
The natural places of Peña Gorda, Los Llanos or Matajacas Ravine, as well as the strip that occupies the bed of the river, are its more outstanding natural places. In them it is possible to practice trekking and hunting, and there is an area to camp in the Cortijo del Aire.
Although it was possibly inhabited during the Roman Empire, it is born as a farmhouse during the Islamic domination, since the VIII century. It reached importance due to its geographic location and to its fertile soil abundantly watered. In 1492 the Catholic Kings conquered the Kingdom of Granada, reason why Santa Cruz passed to Christian hands. After the 1568 rebellion, the Moorish were expelled from the district and their land went to the priory of Calatrava hands and later to the Brotherhood of the Souls of the capital. In 1884 the so called Earthquake of Andalucia devastates the town. The 21st of October of 1887 the new town with the name of Santa Cruz of Comercio is inaugurated.
The traditional slaughter provides to the citizens of the town with rich products from the pig. Marinated meats and conserves of ribs, backs and chacinas in oil are made. Its cuisine is nourished of stews, pots and migas. The borrachuelos are a dessert with white wine, extra virgin olive oil, flour and sugar.
© Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Granada I Diputación de Granada
